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Language Development

• Research shows babies as young as seven months old are aware of how sentences are organized.
• Speaking "baby talk" or parentese can help infants learn language.
• Repeat words, babbling and gestures to your baby from the beginning, then repeat your infant's words back to her as she acquires a vocabulary.
• Research shows babies exposed to sign language can sign five to six months before they can speak words verbally.
• It's never too late to start signing with your child–just start with basic signs (eat, milk, more) and incorporate them into your daily routine.

Talking to Toddlers

• Toddlers have a narrow and literal understanding of the meaning of words, which can make ages two through four the hardest for parents to predict and understand. It's also often the root of toddler tantrums.
• To avoid having your child just say "no" when asked to do something, phrase your directions so they sound fun, or suggest doing something he can look forward to when the task is done, such as reading a favorite book.
• When you want small children to do what you ask, giving advance notice is often very effective: "In a little while, it will be time to..."
• Sleep, exercise and regular meals and snacks are important habits that are essential when it comes to enabling toddlers to have better control over their emotions.

Separation Anxiety

• Separation anxiety is a normal (and positive) developmental stage that most babies experience between seven and 18 months.
• The development of separation anxiety shows your baby has established a healthy bond with you and that she is developing intellectually.
• Your infant may be experiencing separation anxiety if she becomes clingy, afraid of strangers and cries when you're out of sight but is easily comforted in your arms.
• Give your baby lessons in object permanence with games like peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek and practice with quick, safe separations (go into another room and whistle, sing, or talk to your baby so she knows you're still there, even though she can't see you).
• Don't sneak away when you have to leave her–tell your baby what to expect and express a positive attitude when leaving her.

Top Five Baby Toys

• Limiting the number of toys your child has access to gives her a chance to figure them out without just bouncing from one toy to the next.
• Most must-have toys can be introduced at age one or younger so your child can adapt her play with them as she grows.
• Basic building blocks are ideal–the more flexibility in a toy, the longer your child will be interested in it.
• Instead of buying a lot of different animals, get your child a mommy, daddy and baby animal from the same breed to help foster roll play.
• Crayons and paper are one of the best ways for your little one to express her creativity.

Terrible Twos

• Remember that the world is still new and challenging to your child. Be patient with her and watch how she manipulates through her day–you will be rewarded with glimpses of her ingenuity and creativity.
• Understand your toddler's challenges and frustrations so you can learn to avoid some of them. If a new task is stressing her out, let her try something she's already mastered to help boost her confidence.
• Avoiding "stimulation overload" will help keep toddler tantrums at bay.
• Toddlers learn through their curiosity–encourage your child's exploration of the world in safe ways and take the time to answer all her questions as you share in her new discoveries.